Diagnosis

There are still no universally valid biomarkers or tests that can clearly diagnose the Post-Covid-Syndrome.

As a result, doctors often only order a standard blood test, and then label their patients as "healthy".

 

The following is a list of diagnostics which can be used to:

  1. Rule out other causes for the symptoms experienced
  2. For Post-Covid patients, serve to classify the causes of one's symptoms more precisely and treat them in a symptom-oriented manner

Rule out other causes

Heart and Myocarditis

ECG, Long-term ECG, Stress ECG, Cardiac ultrasound, Cardiac-MRI. Recommended doctors: GP & cardiologist.

Brain and Neuroinflammation

EEG, MRI of the head, spinal fluid tap. Recommended doctors: Neurologist.

Hormones and metabolism

Blood tests for the hormone axes. Recommended doctors: GP & endocrinologist.

Diabetes

Blood glucose levels and HbA1c value (in the morning, on an empty stomach). Recommended doctors: GP.

Lungs

If severe lbreathing problems persist (e.g. coughing blood): Rule out of fibrosis etc. by X-ray and/or CT. Recommended doctors: Pulmonologist.

Autoimmunity and Rheumatism

Blood test for autoantibodies. Recommended doctors: Rheumatologist.

Reactivation of other viruses

Bllod test with antibodies and PCR for Epstein-Barr-Virus, Cytomegalovirus. In addition, clarification for Lyme disease and Chlamydia recommended. Recommended doctors: GP.

Gut bacteria

Disbalance of gut microbiome common after antiobiotic treatments. Test for e.g. helicobacteria recommended if stomach pain and gastrointestinal complaintspersist. Recommended doctors: GP.

Better understanding of Post-Covid symptoms

Lungs

Spirometry, including provocation test, respiratory muscle strength test, FeNO measurement, 6-minute walking test, and blood gas analysis (including lactate!). Recommended doctors: Pulmonologist.

Spiroergometry

Test for breathing and heartbeat under stress. Often diagnoses chaotic breathing patterns in Post-Covid patients, which can then be treated with respiratory therapy. Performed by GP or in hospitals.

Blood test: Inflammation markers

In particular: CPR, IgG-1, IgG-2, IgG-3, IgG-4, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-alpha, ROS, MDA, ANA. Recommended doctors: GP.

Blood test: Autoantibodies

Autoantibodies targeting various organs are often found in Post-Covid patients. Although this is not yet of great diagnostic relevance, it indicates an overreaction of the immune system (see Treatments) .

Blood test: Lactate

Lactate levels are often significantly elevated in Post-Covid patients. This could explain muscle fatigue. Can be treated off-label with N-acetylcysteine, for example (see Treatments). Ideally tested through a blood gas analysis, once before and once after a 6-minute walking test. Recommended doctors: Pulmonologist.

Blood test: Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids

Various deficiencies often occur after a Covid-19 infection. The most relevant vitamins (D, B1, B3, B12, folic acid, ...), minerals (magnesium, zinc, selenium, ...), enzymes (Q10, ...) and amino acids should therefore be tested.

Blood test: Post-Covid Biomarkers

New studies have provided indications that some blood markers might be able to identify Post-Covid: TGF-β, IL-17, CXCL10, CCL3. However, no therapeutic relevance.

Gut Microbiome

Gut as the center of the immune system. Examination of a stool sample for bacterial composition. However, most patients simply skip the test and try taking probiotics (much cheaper).

Diseases that often accompany Post-Covid

Sleep Apnea

Approx. 80% of all Post-Covid patients also suffer from sleep apnea. Needs to be examined by a sleep laboratory.

Blood test: Cortisone & ACTH

Many Post-Covid patients have reduced cortisol levels, which could explain fatigue. Can be tested (in the morning, on an empty stomach) at the GP or endocrinologist.

Blood test: Serotonin antibodies

Many Post-Covid patients have autoantibodies against serotonin in their blood, which could explain a lack of drive. Can be tested by GP.

Blood Circulation and Veins

Examination of circulatory problems and vein function. Recommended doctors: Angiologist.

Summary: Which doctors might be needed?

  1. General practitioner / GP
  2. Pulmonologist
  3. Cardiologist
  4. ENT doctor
  5. Sleep laboratory
  6. Endocrinologist
  7. Rheumatologist
  8. Neurologist
  9. Angiologist

At home: How can you observe and measure your symptoms yourself?

  1. SpO2 finger sensor: Monitor oxygen saturation
  2. Peak flow meter: Monitor breathing strength
  3. Blood pressure monitor
  4. Blood glucose meter, or ideally a sensor such as the "Abbott Libre 3"
  5. Fitness tracker like a Fitbit to monitor heart rate variability, pulse, and sleep quality

* The contents of this website are intended for information and inspiration only and are in no way medical advice or recommendations for action. Any theory and medication should be discussed in detail and in person with a medical specialist and/or Long-Covid center. No liability is accepted for the content of this website. There is no guarantee that the information provided is correct, complete or up-to-date. The following applies to everything on this website: The information should only be used as a starting point for your own research and discussions with your own doctor. Under no circumstances should you attempt to self-medicate.

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